Police: Couple used belt, wooden spoon to punish kids

A Des Moines couple who adopted four children has been charged with child endangerment.

The Des Moines Register reports that 38-year-old Damien Stovall and 37-year-old Allonna Stovall are accused of using a belt or wooden spoon to punish two of their children, ages 6 and 7.

The couple's seven children were removed from their custody.

Court records say a trial is scheduled for June 12.

Des Moines Police spokesman Sgt. Jason Halifax said the charges are based on several incidents.

The records say the couple used "unreasonable force and/or cruelty" against the children.

Scott Bandstra is Damien Stovall's attorney.

"It's a mere allegation against Damien. Damien is innocent until proven guilty, and he adamantly denies the criminal charges against him," said Bandstra.

The newspaper says the Stovalls were recognized in a September ceremony in Washington, D.C., after adopting four children. They were designated "Angels in Adoption."

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute issued a statement Wednesday about the Stovall case.

"As an organization that works day in and day out to ensure that all children realize their right to a safe, loving and permanent family, we are deeply troubled by the allegations that have been made against Damien and Allonna Stovall. At the same time, we acknowledge they are at this point only allegations. If authorities conclude that these parents acted inappropriately toward their children, out of respect for the nearly 2,000 other Angels in Adoption, we will take steps to rescind their award."

Copyright 2013 byKCCI The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.